STRUIJK STRIKE EARNS FAMOUS DRAW FOR BELGIUM AGAINST DUTCH WOMEN

Saturday night the women's tournament got started. In the first game Spain snatched a late win over Russia, Belgium fought back to a famous draw against the Netherlands.

Netherlands - Belgium 1-1

Hosts Belgium fought back to earn a big draw against the reigning champion Netherlands in as Michelle Struijk's goal earned a share of the spoils in a dramatic 1-1 at Wilrijkse Plein.

Frederique Matla had given the Dutch a 1-0 lead as they controlled the opening stages but Belgium grew and grew into the game and duly deserved their draw.

Goals: 8' Frederique Matla (FG) 1-0, 45' Michelle Struijk (PC) 1-1

Spain - Russia 1-0

Belen Iglesias's dramatic 58th minute goal saw Spain spoil Russia's return to the top tier of the EuroHockey Championships as they finally broke down a packed defence.

For Russia, their goalkeeper Viktoriia Aleksandrina was immense despite her small stature and she almost earned them a shock point against the World Cup bronze medalists. But Spain kept their nerve and eventually got the winning goal to start their tournament on the front foot.